Lemon, Lime and Bitters

The Lemon, Lime and Bitters, or LLB, is a quintessential thirst-quencher, especially popular in the pubs and homes of Australia and New Zealand. It's a simple yet perfectly balanced highball, combining the sweetness of lemonade, the tartness of lime cordial, and the complex aromatic spice of Angostura bitters. While technically containing trace amounts of alcohol from the bitters, it is universally considered a non-alcoholic beverage. Its crisp, citrus-forward profile with a hint of spice makes it an incredibly popular choice for all ages.
Lemon, Lime and Bitters

Preparation

Preparation time: 2 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

Lemon, Lime and Bitters is primarily categorized as a mocktail or non-alcoholic highball. Due to its long-standing popularity in Australia and New Zealand, it is considered a classic drink in those regions. It serves as a sophisticated alternative to standard soft drinks.

Serving

Serve this refreshing, cold drink in a tall Highball or Collins glass filled with ice. While it contains bitters, it is considered a non-alcoholic beverage suitable for all.
Serving size
Approximately 300 ml / 10 oz
Alcohol content
Essentially 0% ABV. Contains trace amounts of alcohol from the bitters, but is considered non-alcoholic.
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

The exact origin of the LLB is debated, but it rose to prominence in Australia in the mid-20th century. It was likely developed as a non-alcoholic 'grown-up' drink for patrons in pubs who wanted something more complex than a simple soda. It's also often cited as a palate cleanser or a gentle stomach settler, thanks to the purported medicinal properties of Angostura bitters.
Origin
Australia, believed to have originated around the 1940s or 1950s.

Lemon, Lime and Bitters

This drink is most commonly known as Lemon, Lime and Bitters, but it is often abbreviated to simply "LLB," especially when ordering in its native Australia and New Zealand.
Original name
Lemon, Lime and Bitters
Alternative name
LLB

Characteristics overview

The LLB has a bright, citrus-forward flavour balanced by the aromatic spice of the bitters, with a crisp and bubbly texture. Its aroma is a pleasant mix of fresh lime and warm spices, making it a highly refreshing drink perfect for summer.
Flavor
Citrusy, Sweet, Tart, Aromatic, Spicy
Aroma
Lemon-lime, Clove, Cinnamon, Herbal
Taste balance
Sweet, Sour, Bitter
Aftertaste
Clean, Crisp, Lingering spice
Fizziness
Bubbly, Effervescent
Color appearance
Pale gold, Rosy pink hue (depending on bitters amount)
Texture
Light, Crisp, Carbonated
Seasonality
Refreshing, Summery, Year-round

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is moderately intense, with a refreshing balance of sweetness from the lemonade, sourness from the lime, and a gentle bitterness from the bitters. It is highly carbonated and contains no alcohol.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You'll need Angostura bitters, lime cordial, and a carbonated lemonade (like Sprite). The balance of these three simple ingredients creates the drink's signature flavour.
  • Angostura Aromatic Bitters4-5 dashes
    This is the key ingredient for the characteristic flavour. Dashes should coat the bottom of the glass.
  • Lime Cordial15 ml / 0.5 oz
    A sweetened lime syrup. Can be substituted with fresh lime juice and simple syrup.
  • Lemonade180 ml / 6 oz, or to top
    Use a clear, carbonated lemon-lime soda like Sprite or 7-Up, which is what "lemonade" refers to in Australia.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

No special equipment is needed; the drink is built directly in the serving glass. A jigger helps with accuracy for the lime cordial.
  • Highball Glass - for building the drink
  • Jigger or Measuring Spoons - for measuring the cordial
  • Bar Spoon - for a light stir

Instructions

This drink is very easy to make by simply building the ingredients in an ice-filled highball glass. Start with bitters, add ice and cordial, then top with lemonade and give it a gentle stir.
1. Take a highball glass and add 4-5 generous dashes of Angostura Aromatic Bitters, swirling to coat the inside of the glass.
2. Fill the glass completely with ice cubes.
3. Pour in the lime cordial.
4. Top the glass with cold lemonade, leaving a small amount of space at the top.
5. Gently stir with a bar spoon to combine the ingredients.
6. Garnish with a fresh lime wedge or wheel on the rim.

Garnishing

A simple garnish of a fresh lime wedge or wheel is traditional and complements the drink's citrus notes perfectly.
  • Lime wedge or wheel - placed on the rim or in the drink

Dietary Information

This drink is generally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and soy. Angostura bitters are gluten-free, making the entire drink gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian friendly.
✕ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

The drink is moderately caloric with a notable amount of sugar, primarily from the lemonade and lime cordial. Using a diet or zero-sugar lemonade can significantly reduce these values.
Calories
Averagely 120-150 kcal / 502-628 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 30-38 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 30-38 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This is the perfect drink for a hot summer day, a casual barbecue, or as a sophisticated non-alcoholic option at any social gathering. Its refreshing nature makes it an excellent choice for virtually any casual occasion where a cool drink is desired.
  • Summer Barbecue
  • Casual Get-together
  • Pub Drink
  • Non-alcoholic alternative
  • Everyday Refresher

Pairing suggestions

As a classic pub drink, it pairs wonderfully with salty snacks like crisps and nuts, or classic pub fare like fish and chips. Its refreshing quality also helps to cut through the richness of grilled meats or cool the palate when eating spicy food.
  • Grilled Meats
  • Spicy Food
  • Salty Snacks
  • Fish and Chips

Lemon, Lime and Bitters: The Quintessential Aussie Refresher

The Lemon, Lime and Bitters is a classic non-alcoholic highball that holds a special place in Australian and New Zealand culture. Its simple construction belies a wonderfully complex and refreshing flavour profile, where sweet, sour, and spiced notes are held in perfect harmony. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, the LLB is an ideal choice for anyone seeking a sophisticated alcohol-free drink, especially on a warm day.